NO PLAYS EXCHANGED. 



BAKER'S 



or 



Edition 

PL7YY.S 



A DOUBLE SHUFFLE 




COPYRIGHT, 1889, BY WALTER H. BAKER & CO. 



piays for /Amateur Sfyeatrieals. 

BY GEORGE TO. BHKER, 

Author of "Amateur Dramas,'''' "The Mimic Stage," "The Social Stage," "The Drawing- 
Rootn Stagey "Handy Dramas," "The Exhibition Dramas," "A Baker's Dozen," etc. 

Titles in this Type are New Plays. 

Titles in this Type are Temperance Plays. 



DRAMAS. 

In Four A cts. 
Better than Gold. 7 male, 4 female 
. char 

In Three Acts. 

Our Follts. 6 male, 5 female char. . 

The Flower of the Family. 5 
male, 3 female char 

Enlisted for the War. 7 male, 3 fe- 
male char 

My Brother's Keeper. 5 male, 3 fe- 
male char 

The Little Br own Jug. 5 male, 3 
female char 

In Two A cts. 
Ahove the Clouds. 7 male, 3 female 

char 

One Hundred Years Ago. 7 male, 

4 female char 

Among the Breakers. 6 male, 4 female 

char 

Bread on the Waters. 5 male, 3 female 

char 

Down by the Sea. 6 male, 3 female 

char • 

Once on a Time. 4 male, 2 female char. 
The Last Loaf. 5 male, 3 female char. 

In One A ct. 
otand by the Flag. 5 male char. . . 
The Tempter. 3 male, 1 female char. 

COMEDIES AND FARCES. 

A Mysterious Disappearance. 4 

male, 3 female char 

Paddle Your Own Canoe. 7 male 

3 female char. . , 

A Drop too Much. 4 male, i female 

char 

A Little, More Cider. 5 male, 3 fe- 
male char 

A Thorn Among the Roses. 2 male, 6 
female char 

Never Say Die. 3 male, 3 female char. 

Seeing the Elephant. 6 male, 3 female 
char 

The Boston Dip. 4 male, 3 female char. 

The Duchess of Dublin. 6 male, 4 fe- 
male char 

Thirty Minutes for Refreshments. 

4 male, 3 female char 

We're all Teetotalers. 4 male, 2 fe- 
male char 

Male Characters Only. 

A Close Shave. 6 char 

A Public Benefactor. 6 char. . . . 
A Sea of Troubles. 8 char 



COMEDIES, etc., continued. 

Male Characters Only. 

A Tender Attachment. 7 char. . . 15 

Coals of Fire. 6 char. . . . „ . . 15 

Freedom of the Press. 8 char. ... 15 

Shall Our Mothers Vote? n char. 15 

Gentlemen of the Jury. 12 char. . . 15 

Humors of the Strike. 8 char. ... 15 

My Uncle the Captain. 6 char. . . . 15 

New Brooms Sweep Clean. 6 char. . 15 

The Great Elixir. 9 char 15 

The Hypochondriac '3 char 15 

The Man with the Demijohn. 4 

char 15 

The Runaways. 4 char 15 

The*Thief of Time. 6 char 15 

Wanted, a Male Cook. 4 char. ... 15 

Female Characters Only. 

A Love of a Bonnet. 5 char 15 

A Precious Pickle. 6 char 15 

No Cure No Pay. 7 char 15 

The Champion of Her Sex. 8 char. . 15 

The Greatest Plague in Life. 8 char. 15 

The Grecian Bend. 7 char 15 

The Red Chignon. 6 char 15 

Using the Weed. 7 char 15 

ALLEGORIES. 

A rrangedfor Music and Tableaux. 

Lighthart's Pilgrimage. 8 female 

char. 15 

The Revolt of the Bees. 9 female 

char 15 

The Sculptor's Triumph, i male. 4 fe- 
male char 15 

Thb Tournament of Idylcourt. 10 fe- 
male char 15 

The War of the Roses. 8 female char. 15 

The Voyage of Life. 8 female char. . 15 

MUSICAL AND DRAMATIC. 

An Original Idea, i male, 1 female 15 

Bonbons; or, the Paint King. 6 male, 

1 female char 25 

Capuletta; or, Romeo and Juliet 15 

Restored. 3 male, 1 female char. . 15 

Santa Claus' Frolics 15 

Snow-bound; or, Alonzo the Brave, 
and the Fair Imogene. 3 male, 1 

female char 25 

The Merry Christmas of the Old 

Woman who Lived in a Shoe. ... 15 

The Pedler of Very Nice. 7 male 

char 15 

The Seven Ages. A Tableau Entertain- 
ment. Numerous male and female char. 15 

Too Late for the Train. 2 male char. 15 

The Visions of Freedom, ii female 

char 15 



WALTER H. BAKER & CO., 23 Winter St., Boston. 



A DOUBLE SHUFFLE 



& Cometitetta in ©ne &ct 



EY */ 

HENRY OLDHAM HANLON 



SI. 



73i" W 



BOSTON 



1 891 






Fred Somers, a Collegian. 

Jack Hilton, " stroke " 0/ //*<? 'Varsity eight. 

Richard Wentworth, Professor of Entomology. 

Belle Somers, F fed's sister. 

May Singleton, Fred's fiancee. 



Period, now. Costumes, of the present day. 




Copyright, 1891, by Walter H. Baker & Co. 



TMP9c-C07C50 



A DOUBLE SHUFFLE. 



Scene. — A drawing-?~oom with window at back opening on 
garden. Doors r. and l. Belle Somers discovered seated at 
piano, l. c, acco?npanying her brother, who is singing a college 
song as he walks up and dozvn the room with his hands in his 
pockets. 

Fred Somers (singing). — 

Nut-brown maiden 
Thou hast a very tiny foot. 

Nut-brown maiden, 
Thou hast a tiny foot. 
The tiny foot is thine, love, 
The shoe upon it ni-i-i-i- 

Belle (stopping suddenly and turning round o?i piano stool). 
Fred, my dear brother, you poor fellows must be dreadfully hard- 
worked at college ! 

Fred (stroking his moustache). Yes, rather ! But what put 
that idea into your head so suddenly, just as I was about to size. up 
the nut-brown maiden's foot? 

Belle (taking book of college songs from piano and opening it 
on her lap). Well, I read somewhere a description of the New 
York Stock Exchange, telling how the brokers when their brains 
were racked after an exciting day's work, would play leap-frog as a 
kind of relaxation, and indulge in all sorts of childish games and 
foolishness. 

Fred. I believe they do. But what of that? 

Belle. Only that it seems to me you college men are so wearied 
by study, that it is as a kind of relief for your minds you sing such 
nonsensical songs as these (holding up book). 

Fred. Nonsensical songs ! You don't know what you are 
talking about, Belle ! Why, those are the finest songs in the 
world ! You should see the audiences that assemble when our 
Glee Club gives a concert, — the most cultured people in the city 
attend. 

Belle. I should say the Browning Societies would certainly be 
there. 

Fred. Of course they would ; but why do you mention them 
in particular? 

Belle. Because it might interest them to try to find the mean- 

3 



4 A DOUBLE SHUFFLE. 

ing {turning over leaves of book) of some such rubbish say — as 
this, — 

" The owl and the pussy-cat went to sea 
In a beautiful pea-green boat. 
They took some honey and plenty of money 
Wrapped up in a £$ note." 

Fred (laughing). Well, of course some of the songs are ridic- 
ulous ; but then there are others — I should like you to hear Jack 
Hilton sing " Thou art my own love." By Jove, he has a splendid 
baritone ! 

Belle. " Jack Hilton ; " that is the wonderful young man who 
is to visit us shortly, and with whom I am to fall desperately in 
love at first sight. " The best all-round man in the college," isn't 
that what you call him ? 

Fred. Yes; and that is what he is too. Why, he ran one hun- 
dred yards well inside of evens the other clay ; and if there had 
only been somebody present to time him, he would have established 
a record for the distance ; but unfortunately there wasn't, and he 
had only his own watch to go by. 

Belle. Anything else ? 

Fred. He can clear six feet in the high jump — is one of the 
best oars in the boat-club — he rowed stroke in last year's 'Varsity 
eight, you know — and — oh, he can do anything he gives his 
mind to. 

Belle. Except study, of course. 

Fred. He could do that too, if he wanted ; but, you see, Belle, 
he doesn't need to study much. He has $12,000 a year, and of 
course needn't take up any profession. He will keep horses and a 
wife, and all that sort of thing, and settle down. I wonder I have 
not heard from him to say whether he will come or not ; it is a 
week since I wrote. 

Belle. I thought that letter you got a couple of days ago was 
from him. 

Fred. What letter ? I haven't had a letter for weeks. 

Belle. One came directed to you, all the same. I saw it on 
the mantel. (Rising and going to the fire-place and searching 
amongst the bric-d-brac.) Here it is — unopened too ! 

Fred (taking it eagerly). I know the handwriting — it is from 
Jack ! (Opens letter and reads.) 

" Dear Fred, — I will gladly accept the invitation you gave me 
some years ago (what does he mean by "years ago" — my letter to 
him must have been mislaid too) and be with you on Thursday 
next, if I don't hear from you in the meantime that it would be 
inconvenient. I shall arrive at the depot by the train scheduled to 
get there at ^2.30 p.m." Thursday ! Why, that's to-day ; and 
(looking at his watch) by Jove, it's two o'clock now. (Looks out of 
window.) Here comes a messenger-boy. Perhaps this is a tele- 
gram from Jack. Hello, boy, hand it in here. (Takes telegram 
frojn boy through the window.) Wait a minute till I see if it 



A DOUBLE SHUFFLE. 5 

requires an answer. {Reads telegram.} All right, boy, no answer. 
(Turns to Belle.) Hang it all, Belle, I must leave you and goto 
Riverton at once. This is from Templeton to say that Timkins, 
the trainer, is sick, and that I must go right away and look after 
the crew. The race takes place to-morrow, so I can be back 
again on Saturday. I must go. It's too bad, and Jack coming — 
but it can't be helped. Tell Hilton to excuse me : or, stay, I'll see 
him myself at the depot — his train will be in before mine starts, 
and I'll give him a lunch somewhere, have a chat with him, and 
then send him on here. Good-by, Belle, take care of yourself and 
Jack. Don't let him propose till I get back. Give my love to 
May. Tell her I'm awfully sorry, but I have to go. Give her a 
kiss for me. Good-by — I'm off. 

Belle. Good-by, Fred. (Exit Fred.) What a pity he has to 
go and his friend coming. Couldn't they have got somebody else 
to coach the crew ? It's strange they'd trust Fred, knowing his 
unfortunate tendency towards practical joking. I should not 
be surprised if he were to hide the oars on the day of the race ; 
and he would, too, only he has the honor of his college so much 
at heart. I wonder what this Jack Hilton is like, and if I shall be 
so much taken with him as Fred thinks. It is a funny thing that 
once Fred makes a friend of any one, he immediately sets him 
down as the very husband for me. Why, there was — what's- 
his-name — oh, yes, Dick Wentworth, who graduated with him 
from High School, a solemn kind of boy, I believe. Fred was 
of a serious turn himself in those days, and I was almost engaged 
to him by Fred although I have never seen him. ■ He has become 
a professor of entomology, Fred says. I don't think I would 
make a good entomologist's wife. No, I'm sure I wouldn't. I 
couldn't bear to see a husband of mine sticking pins in poor little 
butterflies. I'm much too — 

(Enter Fred's affianced, May Singleton, hastily, with a copy 
of the Century Magazine in her hand. ) 

May. Oh, Belle, what fun ! Fred is up to his old tricks again. 
Nothing will break him of them. Not even my telling him that I 
would not marry him if he didn't stop practical joking; for how 
could I tell but that on our wedding-day he would pretend he had 
forgotten the ring — or, perhaps, tell the clergyman the wrong day, 
or something of that sort ! 

Belle. What is it, dear? Why, Fred has only just this mo- 
ment gone to the depot to — 

May (interrupting he?'). Yes, I know all about it. You see, 
I was at the news-stand there buying this {shows the Century), 
when I heard Fred's voice behind me (he hadn't seen me) crying, 
" Why, Dick Wentworth, where on earth have you come from ? " 

Belle. Dick Wentworth ! 

May. Yes, that's the name. I could see with the corner of 



6 A DOUBLE SHUFFLE. 

my eye that Fred was addressing a grave-looking young man in 
black, who shook hands with him and said, " I thought you had 
got my letter, Fred, but it doesn't matter. If it is inconvenient, I 
can go back and wait for a more opportune time." Fred cried, 
"Not at all, my dear boy." When, all of a sudden, a bright idea 
seemed to strike him, and he burst out laughing and said, " Dick, 
will you do something for me ? Promise me, on your honor as a 
gentleman, that you'll do it. There is no harm in it. I only want 
to play a little joke on my sister Belle. I did get your letter and 
was interrupted before I had read it through, and thought it was 
from Jack Hilton, a college friend of mine. I hadn't read the sig- 
nature of your letter, you know, and so Belle expects Jack. Now 
I'm called away, and won't be back till Saturday, and I want you 
to let her think you are Hilton till I return. You need not tell any 
lies —just let her think you are Jack. But come, let us get some- 
thing to eat, and we'll talk it over at the restaurant ; " and so they 
went off together, Fred in great spirits over his happy thought. 
Now, what do you think of that ? Isn't he incorrigible ? 

Belle. Oh, but May, I can never receive Mr. Wentworth 
and pretend not to know who he is ! 

May. No, of course you couldn't ; and what's more, you won't 
have to do it. Why, Belle, dear, don't you see, two can play at 
that kind of game. 

Belle. 1 don't understand you, May. 

May. Well, listen to me. From this moment till next Satur- 
day you lose your identity just as Mr. Wentworth loses his. You 
will be May Singleton, Fred's betrothed, though you needn't men- 
tion that interesting fact — I mean the engagement — and I will be 
Belle Somers, Fred's beautiful and accomplished sister, and will 
play the hostess and do the honors to the manner born. Oh, it 
will be fun, Belle ! 

Belle. Yes, it will be great fun if we can do it ; but don't you 
think papa will give it away ? 

May. Oh, no, not at all ! Mr. Somers is so deaf, you know, 
and won't know what is going on. It will be splendid, and we can 
turn the tables on Fred, and perhaps it may help to cure him of 
his nonsense. 

Belle. All right, dear, just as you please ; but mind, if Fred is 
angry with us, you will have to make peace with him, not I. 

May. Trust me for that ; besides, we are only playing his own 
game. But, say, Belle, what do you know of this Mr. Wentworth ? 

Belle. Only that he is a professor of entomology at some col- 
lege or other. 

May. Entomology! what's that? Oh, I know — insects. I 
hope he won't have any of them with him — I mean in his baggage. 
I do so hate beetles and bugs — they are such — Oh, Belle, here 
he comes ! {Both start up "and run to the window.) Fancy a 
man like that trying to fool us I Why, he couldn't do it for ten 
minutes unless we helped him out, 



A DOUBLE SHUFFLE. 7 

{Enter Dick Wentworth, nervously.) 

Dick (to May, who has advanced to meet him). Miss Somers, 
I believe ? 

May. My brother's college friend, Mr. Hilton ! I'm glad to 
meet you, Mr. Hilton, and have to apologize for my brother's 
absence. Fred has been called away quite suddenly, or he would 
be here to meet you. 

Dick. I met your brother at the depot, Miss Somers. 

May. Oh, I'm glad of that. Allow me to make you ac- 
quainted with my particular friend, Miss Singleton. This is Mr. 
Hilton of whom you have heard Fred speak so often. 

Belle (after greeting Dick). And you are the great athlete. 
How delightful ! Belle and I do so adore athletes. 

May. Yes, indeed, we do. You have been training a great deal 
lately ; don't you find it fatiguing ? 

Dick. Yes. I have been in the train since ten o'clock this 
morning. It is fatiguing, and makes one so horribly dusty. 

May. How forgetful of me ! Of course you would like to go to 
your room. (Rings bell.) You can tell us of all your great exploits 
later on. (Tells servant who efiters to show Dick to his room. 
Exit Dick.) 

May (laughing). He does not look much like an athlete, 
does he ? 

Belle. No ; but I think he feels so flattered to be thought one, 
that he will play his part out. 

May. What did Fred say Jack Hilton could do ? 

Belle. Let me see : he was the best all round man in college — 
he could jump six feet — could run any distance up to ten miles, 
had rowed stroke in the eight, and is, besides, the best singer in 
the Glee Club. 

May. He sings too, does he ? How nice ! 

Belle. Yes ; and Fred says he is wonderfully good in that 
song that the music-book is open at on the piano. 

May. What piece is that ? 

Belle. Let me see (going to piano), I know I opened the book 
at it when Fred mentioned it. Oh, yes ; this is it, " Thou art my 
own love." 

May. I should like to hear him. 

Belle. So should I. Let's go for a stroll in the garden. (They 
go out with their arms round each other's waist.) 

(Enter Dick, looking much stouter than before.) 

Dick. I think this joke of Fred's isn't such bad fun after all, 
and I believe I will be able to go through with it. I have put on 
every vest I had with me, and I flatter myself I look the athlete 
now. Fortunately I found a copy of " Outing " in a bookcase in 
my room, and I have written all the records I could find on my 



8 A DOUBLE SHUFFLE. 

shirt-cuff, in case they should ask me questions. Let's see {look- 
ing at his left cuff). High jump, a hundred yards dash, quarter, 
mile, broad jump, putting the shot, and so forth. I wonder what 
they think I am great at. I guess I could do one about as well as 
another. Here they come. {Swells his chest, and tries to look 
powerful as he advances to meet them.) 

{Enter Belle and May.) 

May. Mr. Hilton, May and I have been out in the garden 
looking at the path, to see how it will answer for a running track. 
For I suppose you will want to be called early in the morning for 
a couple of hours run before breakfast ? 

Dick {aside). A couple of hours run before breakfast, good 
Lord! {Aloud.) No thank you, Miss Somers. You see, I take 
a different exercise every week, and this happens not to be my 
running week. 

Belle. And what are you training for this week, Mr. Hilton ? 

Dick {aside). What shall I say? {Aloud.) The high jump 
this week. Yes, this is the week for practising that. 

May. Oh, how delightful ! Fred read to me some time ago of 
how the amateur champion high jumper was at an afternoon tea, 
and when a young lady, wearing a very high hat, told him that she 
would like to see him jump, he leaped right over her, hat and all, 
without so much as touching a feather. 

Belle. O Mr. Hilton ! won't you jump over us ? {They stand 
side by side.) Please do, Mr. Hilton. 

May. Do, please, Mr. Hilton. 

Dick {aside). What the deuce am I to do now ? (Aloud.) 
You must excuse me, ladies. You really must ! For you see, when 
the Amateur Athletic Association heard of that remarkable exploit 
you mentioned, Miss Somers, they forbade all members jumping 
over ladies, — 'it became quite common, you know, everybody was 
doing it, — on pain of being classed as professionals. {Aside.) 
What nonsense I'm talking. {Aloud.) Of course I could do it 
easily, only I am prevented by the association's prohibition. 

May. How high can you jump, Mr. Hilton ? 

Dick {looking at his cuff in a very hurried 'manner). Twenty- 
three feet, one inch, was mv last record. 

Both Girls. Impossible. Twenty-three feet, one inch ! 

Dick. Fact, I assure you. Oh, no ! I mean {referring to cuff 
again) \o\ seconds with a flying start. (What am I saying, I 
must change the conversation.) Miss Somers, won't you sing for 
me? I see a song-book open on the piano, and I'm so fond of 
music. 

May. I'm sorry to say, Mr. Hilton, that neither of us can sing; 
but we have been looking forward to hearing you. Fred says you 
sing "Thou art my own love" delightfully, and we are quite 
anxious to hear you sing it. 

Dick {aside). If I can't sing it to her, I should like to say it to 



A DOUBLE SHUFFLE. 9 

her. {Aloud.) I am very sorry, Miss Somers, that I must plead 
a severe cold, a slight touch of the grippe, I believe, caught one 
wet day last week while I was chasing a remarkably beautiful 
specimen of the — ahem! {Aside.) I was nearly giving myself 
away that time. 

May. " A remarkably beautiful specimen of the female sex," — 
let me finish your sentence for you. And pray, where were you 
chasing her to, Mr. Hilton? 

Dick. Her horse was running away, you know, and — and I 
caught it. I had to run my level best to overtake her; but I did 
it, and, I believe, saved her life. 

May. How romantic ! Let us walk in the garden, and you can 
tell us the denouement. 

Belle. Pray excuse me, Belle, and you, Mr. Hilton. I have a 
letter to write I had forgotten till this moment. 

May. Well, don't be long over it. Come along, Mr. Hilton. 

{Exit May, followed by Dick.) 

Belle. I hope May won't lead that young man on too far. 
He seems quite smitten already. I shall go to papa, and see if he 
has finished his afternoon doze. {Exit R.) 

{Enter Jack Hilton cariying a grip-sack.) 

Jack. This is too bad of Fred. He is just the same, always 
up to some mischief or other! When I got off the cars at the 
depot, there he was — he had missed his train — Fred always does 
miss his train ; and after he had shaken hands with me, he made 
me promise solemnly what do you think ! — to come on here and 
swear that I am a professor of entomology, whatever that is, that 
my name is Dick Wentworth, and that I had graduated from High 
School with him. He says it is a joke on his sister, and that I 
must keep it up till Saturday, when he returns. What an awkward 
position it places me in, and what will Miss Somers think of me 
when she finds out I have been deceiving her. Stop a moment 
{looks round room; then through doorL.). Yes ; there's a library ! 
1 must get hold of a Webster, and see what it is I am a professor 
of, or I shall be found out as sure as my name's Jack Hilton ! 

{Exit Jack. Enter Dick and May, he gesticulating) 

Dick. And just as we entered the straight in the last lap, and 
he was leading me by twenty yards, I put on a desperate spurt, and 
gradually wore him down, breasting the tape an easy winner by 
three-quarters of an inch ! {Aside!) By Jove, " Turf, Field, and 
Farm " : couldn't have done better than that ! 

May. Oh, how exciting that must have been ! and you can 
really run a mile in 4.30 ? 

Dick {referring to cuff). Easily, Miss Somers. Why, I think 
nothins: of it ! 



10 A DOUBLE SHUFFLE. 

May. Oh! how delightful it would be for a woman to go 
through life with a man who could go so fast as that ; and yet some 
girls don't like fast men. 

Dick {excitedly). Miss Somers, your words embolden me and 
give me hope. I know I'm presumptuous, and that our short ac- 
quaintance does not warrant my speaking thus to you ; but, you 
know, when I was at high school — I mean at college — with your 
brother Fred, he said that the dearest wish of his heart was that 
we should be one : by "we," of course, I mean you and me, Miss 
Somers. 

May {tragically). Stop, Mr. Hilton, before you go any farther. 
Let me tell you what Fred has said to me over and over again. 
(Puts her handkerchief to her eyes?) 

Dick. Go on, Miss Somers : don't keep me in this agony of 
suspense. What did he say ? 

May. These very words, — and oh ! I know he meant what he 
sa id, — "If any man ever dares to propose for you, I'll blow his 
brains out." 

Dick {astonished). "Blow his brains out!" Did Fred say 
that? But surely he can't expect you to remain single all your 
life, — you, so young, and, may I add, so beautiful ! 

May. Of course, I suppose he only meant if anyone proposed 
for me without his permission. 

Dick. Oh ! that's a different thing altogether. You really 
frightened me. Then, if I can gain his permission, I may come to 



you, Belle. May I call you Bel 

May. If you do, you will be the first man who has ever done 
so ; but I think it would be better, Mr. Hilton, until Fred gives his 
sanction, for us to continue to act merely as friends. 

Dick. Very well, Miss Somers. Fred will be here soon, and, 
in spite of his threat, I shall speak to him. Oh, Miss Somers, I 
had forgotten! Is there a post-office near here? I have some 
business I have to attend to myself. 

May. Yes, but it is some distance from here. I will walk with 
you as far as the gate, and show you the way. (Exeunt.) 

(Enter Jack with a Webster under his arm : seats himself at 
table, and opens the dictionary.) 

Jack. I thought I would never find it, the room was so con- 
foundedly dark. Why, I've been for the last ten minutes searching 
for "entomology" in a "Josephus;" but I've got a Webster at 
last. Let me see {turning leaves) : B, C, D, L, H, I, F, E, Ea, 
Eb, Ef, Em, Et : here it is, "etymology," — " That part of phil- 
ology that explains the derivations of words." Oh, that can't be 
it, of course not: its "^tomology ; ' I'm looking for. (Searches 
again.) Here it is, " Entomology." (Reads to himself with a 
puzzled look on Ids face.) 

(Enter May through the window, and Belle through door.) 



A DOUBLE SHUFFLE. II 

Belle. What have you dc#e with him? 

May. He has gone to the post-office. (Sees Jack.) Who's 
that ? 

Belle (seeing him also). I don't know. Whoever he is, he 
seems to be quite at home. Ahem ! 

May. Ahem ! 

Jack (starting up and advancing towa?'d them). Excuse me, 
ladies ! My name is " Wentworth," " Dick Wentworth." I went 
to high school with Fred Somers. 

Both Girls (astonished). Dick Wentworth! 

Jack. I met Fred at the depot, and he had not time, he said, 
to give me a letter of introduction to his sister. 

May (aside). Oh, Fred, Fred ! I'll pay you well for this. 
(Aloud.) Mr. Wentworth, I am delighted to know you ; and no 
letter of introduction is necessary. Fred has often spoken to me of 
you, and you are very welcome. Mr. Wentworth, Miss May Sin- 
gleton, a friend of mine. (They bow.) 

Belle. I also have heard of you, Mr. Wentworth ; and your 
fame as an entomologist has preceded you here. 

Jack (aside). By Jove ! I'm famous, am I ? You are too good, 
Miss Singleton. 

Belle (aside to May). This is Jack Hilton. 

May ( nods). I've seen his picture. 

Belle. Curiously enough, I was reading Edgar Allen Poe's 
"Gold Bug" last night, and wondering what it was like, — the 
bug, I mean. Now you can tell me, Mr. Wentworth. What is a 
scarabseus like ? 

Jack. A scara — which ? 

Belle. A scarabaeus. 

Jack. I have always thought it the wisest plan, Miss Singleton, 
when teaching — when teaching (edging over towards dictionary, 
and peeping at it) entomology to let the pupils first see the insect, 
and afterwards to discourse with them about it. Now, in a box 
which will follow me from the depot I have quite a collection of 
— of — of — those insects you mention, and will be happy to show 
them to you when it comes. (Aside.) So I will when it comes. 

Bblle. You have some beautiful butterflies, I suppose. 

Jack. Yes, indeed, some wonderfully beautiful ones. 

May (aside). I don't seem to count for much in this convention. 

Belle (reproachfully). And you stick cruel ^ins through their 
poor dear little bodies. 

Jack. Occasionally, only occasionally ; but not unless abso- 
lutely necessary ; that is, when they show fight, you know. 
(Aside.) What does she mean by my sticking pins in butterflies ? 

Belle. Oh, dear! I could never like a man who would do such 
hard-hearted things. 

Jack. You couldn't? then hear me swear, Miss Singleton, — 
From this moment I shall never injure in any way any insect that 
you wish me to spare ! 



12 A DOUBLE SHUFFLE. 

M ay {aside). This is getting interesting! {Rises and goes to 
piano, and plays softly.) 

Jack {earnestly). Miss Singleton, I am a plain-spoken fellow, 
and have a way of blurting out at once what other men would, 
perhaps, take years to say. Listen to me, and forgive me, for I 
can't help myself. Fred wrote to me, asking me to come here for 
a week, and said in his letter that he hoped I should find a wife 
here. I know he was thinking of his sister there; but when I saw 
you — 

(May begins playing " Thott art my own love."") 

Jack {listening). Do you know the words of the air Miss 
Somers is playing ? 

Belle. Yes. "Thou art my own love." (May steps out of 
the room.) 

Jack. Oh, if I could only be ! — Miss Singleton, do you believe 
in love at first sight ? 

Belle. I do, Mr, Wentworth. But, one moment : c^id Fred 
never tell you of his engagement ? 

Jack. Great Heavens, Miss Singleton, don't tell me that there 
is any tie between you and Fred! 

Belle {sighing). There is indeed a tie, — a very close one. 
But oh Mr. Wentworth, I will never marry him! never! and I am 
sure he has no intention of marrying me. 

Jack {aside). This is an unfortunate affair! Fred kindly invites 
me here, willing to accept me as a brother-in-law, and I take 
advantage of his doing so by falling in love with the girl he is 
engaged to. It is too bad ; but then if they don't want each other 
it's all right. {Aloud.) Then if you think he does not wish to 
marry you, may I not hope ? Forgive me, I know I am abrupt ! 

Belle. Yes. I think you may hope. But oh, is it not warm 
here ? Let us go for a stroll, and I'll show you my bees. Are you 
fond of bees ? 

Jack. Fond of them ! if they are yours I love them ! 

Belle. Then let us go. {They go through window.) 

{Enter Fred Somers, laughing.) 

Fred. I wonder how my comedy of errors is working! For- 
tunately, when we stopped at the first station, who should come 
into the car I was in but Tom Henderson. " Where are you going, 
Tom ? '•' says I. " To coach the crew," says he, " Timkins is sick." 
— " Good-by," says I, and jumped from the car as the train was 
moving. They had evidently sent for him, knowing what an 
erratic individual I am, and fearing that I should not show up. 
He is quite welcome to the job, and I can now straighten up 
matters a bit here, and we will make a jolly party, and go see the 
race to-morrow. 

{Enter Dick.) 

Dick {surprised). You here; Fred I 



A DOUBLE SHUFFLE. 1 3 

Fred. Yes ; another man has taken my place. And how are 
you, Dick (holding out his hand). 

Dick (drawing back). Fred, before I take your hand, I have 
something to say to you that you may not like to hear ; but first let 
me ask you a question : have you a revolver about you ? 

Fred. A revolver ! No. What on earth do you mean ? 

Dick. Listen to me, Fred, and you'll know ! I have proposed 
for your sister ! 

Fred. Oh, you have, have you ? Well, I must say you don't 
seem to have lost much time in the matter. 

Dick (greatly relieved). And you don't want to blow my brains 
out? 

Fred. No ; why should I ? To tell you the truth, Dick, after 
what has passed between us, I really don't think you have any 
brains to blow in or out. 

Dick. Well, I didn't think you would, you know ; but your sister 
said she was positive you would if I told you. 

Fred (aside). I wonder what Belle meant by talking such 
nonsense. (Aloud.) Well, Dick, I "11 admit that 1 had quite 
another scheme for my sister's happiness ; but if you can win her, 
you need fear no opposition at my hands. 

Dick (seizing his hand and shaking it warmly). Oh, thank 
you, Fred, a thousand thanks ! And may I tell her what you 
say ? 

Fred. As soon as you like. 

Dick. I'll go at once. I know where to find her. (Exit.) 

Fred. I wonder what Jack has been about to let Dick get ahead 
of him like this. Here he comes. I'll ask him. 

(Enter Jack, moodily.) 

Fred. How are you, Jack? you see I've got back before I 
thought I should. 

Jack (gloomily). So I see. 

Fred. Confound it, Jack, you don't fancy 1 want to blow your 
brains out, do you ? You haven't something to say to me that will 
raise blood-thirsty thoughts to my fevered brain ? 

Jack. I'm not so sure of that ! 

Fred. Well, out with it, man ! What's the matter with you ? 

Jack. Fred, you remember in your letter to me, you wrote 
expressing a hope that I should find my future wife here ? 

Fred. Yes, I do, and I see it all now"! You have let another 
fellow get the start of you. Jack, I'm sorry. 

Jack. No, Fred, that's not what it is. It's worse than that. 
To make a long story short, Fred, I love Miss Singleton. 

Fred. ^Great Heavens, man ! do you know what you are 
saying ? 

Jack. Forgive me, Fred. I knew it would displease you ; but 
I could not help myself, you know, and it is only fair that I should 
tell you. 



14 A DOUBLE SHUFFLE. 

Fred. I'm sorry I spoke so roughly, Jack, I am really sorry 
for you ; and I can only hope that she refused you in such a 
manner as not to pain you. 

Jack. Refused me ! no, indeed ! She certainly did not do 
that. 

Fred But she must have told you that we are engaged. 

Jack. She did ; and she also told me that she had as little 
intention of marrying you as you have of marrying her. 

Fred. She told you that ! {Aside.) O May, May, I knew you 
were a bit of a flirt, but I did not dream that you could have thrown 
me over like this ! I see it all now. I told her that if she could 
find a better man than I, she could have him. Vain fool that I am, 
I did not think such a man existed! and now — and now she has 
taken me at my word. Oh, why did I bring him here to de- 
stroy all my happiness? {Aloud.) Jack, Jack, what have you 
done? 

Jack. Fred, dear old fellow, I know I've done wrong. 1 did 
not think you cared for her so much. She led me to think differ- 
ently. I'll go away, Fred, and live down my misery as best I 
can. 

Fred (proudly). No, Jack, no ! If she cares so little for me, 
or so much for you, as to give me up thus easily, it is I that shall 
go away and forget that I ever knew her. But, Jack, like a good 
fellow, send her to me : I must hear it from her own lips before I 
can believe that she intends to ruin my life. 

Jack. I'll tell her you want to see her. (Exit Jack.) 

Fred (bitterly v . O May ! I never could have thought that you 
would treat me so cruelly, — I who would have done anything- in 
the world to make you happy. And you did seem to love me ! 
O woman, woman, 'twas ever thus ! (Seats himself at table, and 
buries his face in his hands. Enter May.) 

May. What! Fred back so soon ? Oh, I'm so glad! (Draws 
near to him.) But what's the matter with you? Are you ill? 
(Tries to caress /->'vi.) 

Fred (repulsing her). Do not touch me ! How dare you ? 
you who engaged \ourself tome, and the minute I turn my back 
accept the addresses of another man ! Go ! leave me! 

May. But I never did accept them. 

Fred. What ! didn't you tell him you would never marry me? 

May. No, I did not ; nothing of the kind. 

Fred. Do you mean to say that you didn't tell him you had as 
little intention of marrying me as I had of marrying you? 

May. Certainly not ! He did propose for me after he had 
known me ten minutes ; and, as you are so fond of practical jokes, 
you can't blame me if, to punish him for his assurance, I ventured 
to try one on him by telling him he could have me if he got your 
permission. I knew, Fred, dear ! you would not give it. 

Fred. Hang practical jokes ! Don't you see, girl, that I have 
given him my permission, and that I can't go back on my word ? 



A DOUBLE SHUFFLE. 1 5 

And oh ! — I'd forgotten — do you know that your new lover is not 
the man he represents himself to be ? 

May. Yes, Fred, I do. I overheard your plot at the depot, and 
determined that two could play at that game. Fred, Belle and I 
have changed places : she took my name and I hers. 

Fred. Then who is it that has proposed for you? 

May. How can I tell? O Fred, Fred! you have mixed things 
up terribly ! 

Fred. I have, I have ; I know it ! But, tell me, was it the 
entomologist, or the athlete? 

May. Both. 

Fred. Both ! oh, this is a thousand times worse. Then two 
men have been making love to you, have they ? 

May. No, only one. 

Fred. But you said " both " just now. 

May Yes, 1 did. They are both athletes and both entomolo- 
gists, you know. Why, you made them so yourself! 

Fred. May, if this mystery is ever satisfactorily unravelled, I 
shall never play a practical joke again I swear it ! 

May. Here they come ! Now, Fred, I have a plan : just say, 
"Jack, you can have her," and then await developments. 

{Enter Belle, Jack, a?id Dick.) 

Fred {as they approach}. Jack, you can have her : take her. 
She is yours. 

(Jack goes to Belle and puts his ar?n round her waist. Dick 
tries to do the same with May, but she keeps him at a distance.} 

May {laughing). Stop a moment ! Mr. What's-your-name, you 
may run a mile in 4.30, but you are going a little too fast now. 
Didn't I tell you you had to get Fred's permission first. 

Dick {triumphantly). Yes, Miss Somers, and he has given it. 

May {turning to Fred). Did you tell him he could have vief 

Fred. Not by a — 

May. Fred ! 

Fred. I beg your pardon. I meant to say, certainly not. I 
never said so. You see, Dick, I am going to marry her myself. 

Dick. What, marry your own sister ! You can't do that, you 
know. 

Fred {laughing). She is not my sister: there is my sister. 
( Pointing to 'Belle.) 

Jack. You Fred's sister ? Oh, I'm so glad ! 

Dick. I can't make it out at all. Everybody seems to be some 
one else. 

Fred. Yes, Dick, we have all been playing parts. 

Belle. Why, Fred, what part did you play ? 

Fred. Oh, I played the fool. 

Dick. If you did, I'd like to know where I came in. 

May. No, Fred, you didn't; at least, not more than usual. 



16 A DOUBLE SHUFFLE. 

The summing up of the affair is this : You, Fred, thought to fool 
us girls, and no doubt, when making your friends personate each 
other, flattered yourself that you had shuffled your cards pretty 
well; but Belle' and I have now taught you, very effectually I 
think, that it is not only in dancing that such a thing can be accom- 
plished as A Double Shuffle. 

Curtain. 



A NEW PLAY FOR FEMALE CHARACTERS. 

A Companion to "REBECCA'S TRIUMPH." 

ANITA'S TRIAL; 

Or, Our Girls in Camp. 

By Esther B. Tiffany, author of "A Rice Pudding," "That Patrick," 
" Young Mr. Pritchard," etc. 

Price, -------35 cents. 

This is a bright and sparkling comedy in three acts, for eleven 
female characters. Its §tory is entertaining, and its dialogue dis- 
tinguished by this author's delicate humorous touch. One scene only 
is necessary for the three acts — a camp in the woods, easily arranged. 
The dresses are simple and picturesque camping costumes. The enor- 
mous success of " Rebecca's Triumph " has created a demand for this 
sort of piece, to meet which we confidently present "Anita's Trial," 
in which is solved, with no less success than in its predecessor, the 
difficult problem of constructing a play of strong human interest with- 
out the assistance of male characters. 



The O hronqthanatqletrq n; 

OR, OLD TIMES MADE NEW. 

An entertainment in one act for sixteen girls, written for the Class Day 
Exercises at Dana Hall School, Wellesley, Mass., by two members 
of the Class of '87 and first performed before members of the school 
and their friends, June 18, 18S7, and later at Ellsworth, Maine, 
April 6, 1888. 

Price, ------- 25 cents. 



THE PEAK SISTERS. 

A humorous entertainment for young ladies. Arranged by Mary B. 
Horne. Any number of ladies may take part, but seven only are 
necessary. No scenery; costumes very simple. This laughable 
trifle meets with invariable success wherever performed. 

Price, -------15 cents. 



THE BOOK OF DRILLS. 

A group of entertainments for female characters for stage or floor per- 
formance, by Mary B. Horne, the author of " The Peak Sisters," etc. 

Price, -____-- 30 cents. 



WALTER E BAKER & CO, Publishers, 23 Winter St, Boston. 





By the Author of "Out of His Sphere." 

T^-^^ _. ^ — — - ^ LIBRARY OF CONGRESS 
he oRMr 

Or, Caught in His O 

.A. COl&JZJDIZ: HZEST TH3 016 103 816 7 
By DAVID HILL, 

Author of " Forced to the War," " Out of his Sphere, 
"Placer Gold," "Bound by an Oath," Etc. 

Eleven male and two female characters and supers; six male characters oniy 
heing important. Costumes modern and eccentric rustic. Scenery may be made 
elaborate or simple, according to circumstances. John Haymaker is a good 
character, new to the stage, and full of rustic humor and shrewdness. Alvin 
Joslin, as played by Mr. .Davis, comes nearest to it in flavor. The other char- 
acters are excellent, generally rustic types and those of low life in the city, 
where the incidents of " The Granger's" second act occur. The story is original 
in idea, and of great humorous possibilities. Just the thing for a Grange enter- 
tainment. Can be played with the simplest accessories, yet will amply repay 
care in getting up. 

Price 25 Cents. 

STZ-iXsTOIPSIS : 

ACT I. Scene 1. Highway. Farming a trade. " It takes more good, sound 
common sense to run a farm successfully than it does a national bank. A 
good shot. Evolution. Isaac as an informer. Hard to hear. " Measter 
Haymaker, dom it ! woolye stop that dinging and come here." Scene 2. 
The lovers. Philopened. The penalty two kisses. Caught in the act. 
" Well, young man, when you are satisfied, please give me your attention." 
Wager between Richard and Haymaker. " I will wager that you will be out- 
witted at your own game inside of a month ; and your daughter's hand shall 
pay the penalty if I win." " And if you lose ?" " If I lose, I will never 
trouble you or your daughter again." The acceptance. Scene 3. Hay- 
maker's house. Richard unfolds his plan to Mrs. Haymaker and Minnie. 
They join him in the plot to outwit Haymaker. Off to the city. 

ACT II. Scene 1. City street. " The Granger." Lots of fun. Taken for a 
greenhorn. New kind of game. Baiting the trap. Hoav the pickpockets 
were caught. " Feel at this moment jest like speakin' in meetin', don't ye ?" 
Held in tow. Off to the " tavern." Scene 2. City bar-room. How Hay- 
maker fooled the crowd. Releasing the pickpockets. Parting advice. 
" When you pick up another Granger on the street, don't take him for a 
pumpkin until you have tested the rind." How the traps were worked. 
Tough yarns. Richard and Minnie disguised. The song. Charity. 
" Yengster, jest lead the way tu them there books." Scene 3. Room in 
tenement house. Evolution again. The supper. The drugged coffee. 
Haymaker falls asleep. Richard happy. "Hurrah! we together have out- 
witted John Haymaker." Minnie's keepsake. Haymaker caught in his own 
traps. 

ACT III. Scene 1. Highway. Haymaker and Cushing. " Your're an old, 
meddlesome, wizzled, knock-kneed and dried up jackass." Cushing aston- 
ished. " Wa'all, I swow ! I'll be blowed if 1 ever seed Haymaker like that 
afore." Sckne 2. Haymaker's house. Waiting for Haymaker. "O my! 
there is father coining now." Crest-fallen but spunky. Haymaker's explan- 
ation. His admiration for those who outwitted him. "If they would 
confess I would give them a thousand dollars and a position for life." Taken 
at his word. Richard and Minnie again in disguise. The song. Haymaker 
dumbfounded. " Well, it's beginnng to dawn upon me that I'm a confounded 
old fool." Fulfilling the contract. Haymaker's closing words. "Though 
I still advocate the theory of evolution, it never again shall be the principal 
tool to catch John Haymaker in his own trap." 



Walter H. Baker & Co., 23 Winter St., Boston. 

•♦ 8. J. PARKHILL & CO., PRINTERS, 222 FRANKLIN ST., BOSTON. 



